He shared, “It appears I am a 100% Balkan mix of Illyrian, Thracian, and Greek origins, with no trace of Slavic heritage.” This revelation prompted Filipović to reflect on how nations and identities are constructed, highlighting that ethnic identity is not solely based on genetics.
His statement challenges traditional concepts of identity, showing that historical waves of assimilation and migration can blur the lines between national and ethnic origins.
Filipović’s Full Statement:
“Out of pure curiosity, I took a ’23andMe’ test, and there were no surprises. From my paternal side, I carry the gene most common among Albanians from northern Albania and Kosovo. Considering the debated origin of my tribe’s mythological ancestor, Bijeli Pavle (Pal Bardhi), from the Dukagjini region in Kosovo, it all makes sense. From my maternal side, I am of Greek origin, something my mother’s Serbian family has always known.”
Filipović emphasized that genetic analysis shows that nationality and ethnic identity are not tied to blood. “If genetics were the determining factor of ethnic belonging, I would not have a Slavic name or speak a Slavic language. My ancestors, like those of many others, went through waves of assimilation and displacement.”
He concluded by saying: “Nations are not about blood or land; they are all about the sense of belonging.”
